As an infusion Macela is used as a natural remedy for nervous colic, epilepsy, nausea, and gastric problems. It is also employed as an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, menstrual promoter, sedative, and analgesic for gastric disturbances, liver problems, diarrhea, and dysentery. This same infusion (or a slightly stronger one) is used externally for rheumatism, neuralgia, sore muscles, and even menstrual pain. The flowers are crushed and added to pillows as a natural sleeping aid. In Argentina, 20 g of fresh flowers are infused in 1 liter of hot water and taken to help regulate menstruation and for asthma; the aerial parts or entire plant is decocted as an aid for digestion and diabetes. In Uruguay it is used much the same way - for stomach, digestion, and gastrointestinal disorders, as a menstrual regulator, and as a sedative and antispasmodic. In Venezuela, the entire plant is infused or decocted and taken internally to treat diabetes, as a menstrual promoter, and to help overcome impotency. The leaves are made into a tea for a cough suppressant to treat bronchitis; an infusion of the entire plant is used to treat diabetes (Type II).